Vision GRAM-International : Impunity to Justice in DR Congo

Posted on May 12, 2014

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By: Victor Amisi, Executive Director Vision GRAM International 

(Ottawa, May 10) -Since the wars in DR Congo, women and girls were victims of rape and sexual violence. Acts committed in violation of international human rights law and humanitarian law. 

Efforts were made to put an end to barbaric acts committed by all armed groups. But rape cases are increasing and the authors still at large. 

Vision GRAM-International is deeply concerned by the existence of impunity and lack of justice for victims.

In recent years, there have been some prosecutions in Congolese military courts of army soldiers and some officers allegedly responsible for crimes of sexual violence and other serious human rights abuses. Yet the vast majority of perpetrators have not been punished; many have instead been promoted or rewarded. When judicial proceedings do happen, basic international standards are often not respected, including with regard to the quality of investigations, the respect of the rights of the accused to a fair and impartial trial, and the protection of victims and witnesses. Interference from the executive or military leadership has made it seemingly impossible to bring to justice senior military officials most responsible for abuses » (Human Rights Watch)

To end these acts Vision GRAM-International requires the will of the Congolese authorities to move from words to action in the implementation of measures to end impunity. 

Vision GRAM-International joined the efforts of other human rights orgnaizations which require the willingness to see the ICC implementing legislation promptly adopted and promulgated.

It supports the Proposal to create Specialized Mixed Chambers within the national judicial system and other Congolese legislation relevant for the fight against impunity in Congo:

– Law on the organization, functioning and competences of the judiciary.
– ICC implementing legislation
– Reform of the criminal code
– Establishment of the Cour de Cassation, the Cour Constitutionnelle and theConseil d’Etat
– The death penalty

Vision GRAM-International supports all efforts to make justice a reality in DR Congo and believes in a country without impunity and sexual violence.

#Justice4OurWomenandgirls.

Vision GRAM-International

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